Tionesta
Location
Ecological and Physical Description
The Tionesta RNA and the adjacent Tionesta Scenic Area constitute one of the few remaining examples of the virgin hemlock-beech climax forest of the Allegheny Plateau. The site contains many species that are uncommon at this latitude. There is no recorded history of logging or fire in the RNA, but oil wells and pipelines were installed throughout the region, a few of which are still active. Severe windstorms damaged the southern edge of the RNA in 1808. Severe ice storms caused widespread damage in 1936 and 1950. In 1985 tornadoes blew down 954 acres of the Scenic Area. Two rare species in Pennsylvania are found within this RNA: Swainson’s thrush and yellow-bellied flycatcher.
Ecological Information
Average annual precipitation is 42 inches (107 cm), 16 inches (41 cm) of which falls between June and October.
A station at Bradford, PA is located 24 miles (38 km) northeast of the RNA.
The site consists of steep-sided, narrow, lower stream valleys cut into a plateau. Soils are derived from the Pottsville sandstone and conglomerate that cap the plateau and form shales and sandstones on the slopes. Principal soil series are Hazelton sandy loam, Cookport sandy loam and Cavode silt loam. G-17, shale and sandstone.
West Fork Run and East Fork Run traverse the RNA, running generally from northeast to southwest. Both are permanent streams at elevations below about 1700 feet (West Fork) and 1800 feet (East Fork). Tributaries of the South Branch of Tionesta Creek, a branch of the Allegheny River, drain the tract.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virburnum alnifolium | Hobblebush | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Viburnum acerifolium | maple-leaved viburnum | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Spinulose wood-fern | Common Herbaceous Species | |||
| Shining club-moss | Common Herbaceous Species |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamias striatus | Eastern chipmunk | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Erethizon dorsatum | Porcupine | Common Mammal Species | ||
| Ursus americanus | Black bear | Common Mammal Species | ||
| white tailed deer | Common Mammal Species | |||
| bobcat | Common Mammal Species | |||
| hoary bat | Common Mammal Species | |||
| Hawks | Common Bird Species | |||
| owls | Common Bird Species | |||
| herons | Common Bird Species | |||
| kingfishers | Common Bird Species | |||
| woodpeckers | Common Bird Species | |||
| warblers | Common Bird Species | |||
| wild turkey | Common Bird Species | |||
| pileated woodpecker | Common Bird Species | |||
| blackburnian warbler | Common Bird Species | |||
| barred owl | Common Bird Species | |||
| red-shouldered hawk | Common Bird Species | |||
| swainson’s thrush | Common Bird Species | |||
| brown creepers | Common Bird Species | |||
| red-breasted nuthatch | Common Bird Species | |||
| white-breasted nuthatch | Common Bird Species |
Publications
- John C. Bjorkbom, Rodney G. Larson. 1977. The Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Areas
- Ted J. Grisez, Joseph J. Mendel, Joseph J. Mendel. 1972. The rate of value increase for black cherry, red maple,and white ash
- Joseph J. Mendel, Ted J. Grisez, G.R. Jr. Trimble, G.R. Jr. Trimble. 1973. The Rate of Value Increase for Sugar Maple